Fly tying is another form of art in which I also find great pleasure. For those of you who are more interested in the art of tying flies, I've decided to share a few of my favorite patterns. The photo to the right showcases a sample of my go-to nymph pattern on Penns Creek. It's a combination of a number of different techniques and materials that I've picked up from different tiers over the years. Though I've appropriated some ideas from other patterns to create this fly, I've added a few unique twists of my own to create a Golden Stonefly that, to my knowledge, is original and fishes very well. It may not be much to look at out of the water but once submerged, this nymph offers a realistic element that many other artificials do not.

Home Waters 8/19/13...Though I thoroughly enjoy teaching and creating art, fly fishing is my true passion. This picture was taken during my favorite time of year and on one of my favorite stretches of water on Penns Creek. Most of the inspirations behind my work come from this crown jewel, located at the heart of Pennsylvania limestone country. I'm eagerly anticipating this coming fall with cooler water temps, beautiful foliage, and spawning browns!!!

The Dog Days of Summer 7/14/13...Throughout the months of July and August, my home waters warm up to the point where catching fish will ultimately kill them. As most fisherman know, it is important to rest trout once water temps reach 70 degrees to provide the fish with ample opportunity to survive the low levels of oxygen and high temperatures. That does not mean your rod and reel have to collect dust until late September! During the late summer months, while most guys are fishing the river for bass, I enjoy exploring the tributaries which typically maintain much cooler temps and hungry native brook trout! This type of fishing can be extremely challenging due to the small size and clarity of most tributaries, but even during the warmest days of the year they can reward you with consistent dry fly fishing! Just keep in mind, ALL types of cold blooded creatures gravitate towards these areas of cooler temperatures during the summer months, even the kind that some of us are not very fond of. So if you like to fish with a buddy like myself, keep a close watch on him or her while you fish!

Spruce Creek! 6/8/13I'd like to thank Ben Rooke for the opportunity he granted me to experience the gem that God created at Spruce Creek Rod and Gun Club. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to wet a line at one of the countries most renown fly fishing destinations. Though the weather was EXTREMELY warm, we were still greeted by rising trout and decent dry fly fishing. Thanks again for this opportunity Ben, and I look forward to striving to capture the essence of this marvelous place!

The Mighty 'Sock! 5/7/13Though I now consider Penns to be my home water, this beautiful stretch is where I first learned to fly fish. My fly fishing experience started over thirteen years ago when one early summer evening when my father and I were invited by a friend, Jack Morgan, to fish the sulphur hatch. And though my dad is an avid archer and had little interest in fly fishing, he selflessly agreed to make the hour and a half long trip to Sullivan County knowing that I would enjoy this experience. My dad was the best mentor an aspiring outdoorsman could ask for, often spending hours with me on this section of the Loyalsock as I fumbled, flailed and often failed to land a single trout. He had the patience of Job and I was extremely blessed to have such a wonderful mentor and father. And though there are certainly more prolific trout streams in our great state, this freestoner holds a special place in my heart and in my humble opinion, rivals any stream (north, south, east, or west) in its raw and untamed beauty.